This bulletin applies to 2009 Chevrolet Captiva vehicles. The SES light may be on. Initial diagnosis may display any of the following fuel trim and/or O2 sensor related codes: P-1-1, P0137, P0138, P0140, P0141, P0157, P0158, P0160, P0161, P0171, P0174, P0420, P0430, P1174, P1175, P2096, P2097, P2098, P2099, P2177, P2178, P2179, P2180, P2187, P2188, P2189, P2190, P2270, P2271, P2272 and/or P2273.
If normal diagnostics does not lead to a resolution and an intake vacuum leak or an exhaust leak is suspected, the use of a smoke machine (J41413-200 evaporative system tester for example) may be useful to locate the leak.
For an intake leak, the smoke can be introduced into the brake booster hose or the oil dipstick tube. For best effect, it’s recommended to cover the air intake before the MAF sensor to allow air pressure to build.
For an exhaust leak, the hose is inserted into the tailpipe, sealing the excess area around the hose with a smoke machine’s cone or shop rags. This method is very good for finding small leaks around the O2 sensor bosses and slight cracks in the intake plenum or gasket.
